Visual Communication and Public Rational Affinity to National Flags: Opinion Survey among Residents of African Countries

Abstract

This is research on an opinion survey of residents of 54 African countries. The topic was on the significance of visual communication messages from national flags and the relationship of national identity consciousness among the residents in countries of Africa. The scope was limited to only rational opinions about the national flags of 4 countries. The objectives were to find out the most preferred primary colour and the symbols that appear widely acceptable on the flags of the affected countries, as well as the most thematic message most national flags communicate to residents of African countries. The cultural affinity and the bandwagon theories were applied. The population of the study was 518,562,352 residents of four purposively chosen countries: Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Angola. Responses came from 588 persons out of the simple random size of 600 residents. Findings showed that the most preferred primary colour was red, which appeared on the flags of countries. The implication is that these countries have inter-country cultural ties in the expression of courage represented by the primary colour of red that dominates national identity flags. The red colours signify the vibrancy and courage of the respective countries, while the widely acceptable symbol of the star signifies the beacon of hope on sovereignty to the affected countries. It is recommended that African nations maintain national identity symbols and colours of flags meaningful to cultural and social ties for the encouraging of national affinity rather than intimidating or unfriendly colours and symbols based on biases.